Hi CPLPs!
What I would like to know is: What's your one best idea - your best tip - for those who are considering or going through the certification process right now?

I'll start by suggesting that potential candidates start early. There are signatures required and other information that you need to gather. If you wait until the last minute - as I tend to do - you will be scrambling!

Other tips??
Deb

Take advantage of all the resources available to study for the test. Don't assume because you do your job well that you know all the "test-type" answers. ASTD has a study kit available and it is wonderful. There are pre-test samples available that really helped me. Also take advantage of study groups. I agree with Deb allow 3-6 months to prep easily for both parts of CPLP. ASTD set the bar high. We can be proud of our profession.

Donna Steffey

Agreed, Deb -- start early!

10-12 weeks to prep for the first phase -- the Knowledge-base Exam

30-40 hours to prepare for the second phase -- Work Product submission

That's a recommended minimum of 30+ hours to compile your materials for the submission -- beyond the hours it takes for you to actually do the work that becomes the evidence you submit.

Also, in prepping for the work product submission, always make sure you're looking at the most current forms from the ASTD Certification Institute. The submission forms often change between work product submission deadlines, and you want to ensure you're looking at the latest & greatest.

CPLP candidates can login to the CPLP portal to access their materials: http://www.astd.org/astd/cplp/secured

People curious about the CPLP (but not yet enrolled in the program) can check out the requirements as listed in the Candidate Bulletin at: http://www.astd.org/astd/cplp/cand_bul.htm

~ trish